‘Amalanga Awafani’: DJ Maphorisa Defends Decision to Exclude Samthing Soweto

In a dramatic turn of events in the South African music industry, DJ Maphorisa has broken his silence regarding the controversy surrounding Samthing Soweto’s exclusion from the credits of the trending Amapiano song, “Amalanga Awafani.” The song, which features Mas Musiq, Lawd Weezy, Star Quality, and DJ Maphorisa, has caused a stir on social media after it was revealed that Samthing Soweto, a key vocalist on the track, was not credited for his contribution.

The Controversy Unfolds

The tension began when Thabo Ngubane, better known as Mas Musiq, announced the release of “Amalanga Awafani” on social media. As fans celebrated the long-awaited drop, they quickly noticed that Samthing Soweto was missing from the list of credited artists. In response, Samthing Soweto, born Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, expressed his disappointment with a simple but poignant broken heart emoji posted on social media.

Back in July, when fans were eagerly awaiting the song’s release, Samthing Soweto hinted at the internal struggles over the song’s release, stating that it would only be released once
the master share was allocated accordingly. This cryptic message now appears to have been a foreshadowing of the dispute over the song’s credits.

💔 https://t.co/iJTyzKNrj3

— Samthing Soweto (@samthingsoweto) September 3, 2024

DJ Maphorisa’s Explosive Instagram Live

Amid growing criticism, DJ Maphorisa took to Instagram Live to address the situation. However, instead of calming the storm, his comments seemed to pour fuel on the fire. Maphorisa lashed out at Samthing Soweto, accusing him of being ungrateful and suggesting that the singer had taken advantage of the support he had received in the music industry. “Firstly, Samthing Soweto is not a good guy as you guys think. Ukhawathile Mas Musiq while he held him down,” Maphorisa said, implying that Samthing Soweto had wronged Mas Musiq, who had supported him.

In a series of emotional and explicit remarks, Maphorisa further accused Samthing Soweto of causing delays in the release of “Amalanga Awafani” and expressed his frustration with the entire situation. “We went live, but what did you want us to do, because you are fighting us and didnn’t want us to release the song,” he stated. He also made it clear that he was willing to remove the song from all platforms, saying, “F*** the song too, and we can take it down tomorrow, because already there are no blessings behind it.”

Maphorisa’s outburst continued as he reflected on his contributions to the Amapiano genre and the broader South African music scene. “I saved this culture. You help people, and they betray you,” he lamented, suggesting that his efforts to uplift others in the industry had not been appreciated. He also highlighted his role in the rise of other artists, including Kabza De Small, and emphasized the impact he has had on the Amapiano movement: “Do you know how big Amapiano is? I have changed the game. Do you know what I have done for this
country?”

Watch DJ Maphorisa’s Instagram Live here

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amapiano | The Yanos Plug (@theyanos_plug)

Reactions from the Public and Industry

DJ Maphorisa’s comments sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Many users criticized him for his harsh words towards Samthing Soweto, accusing him of exploiting
fellow musicians and failing to give credit where it was due. Some felt that Maphorisa’s statements were indicative of a broader issue within the industry, where power dynamics
often leave artists vulnerable and uncredited. Others, however, supported Maphorisa, arguing that he has indeed played a significant role in shaping the Amapiano genre and that his frustration was understandable given his contributions and the perceived ingratitude of some artists.

Moving Forward

As the debate continues, many in the industry are calling for a resolution that acknowledges the contributions of all artists involved. Whether this situation will be resolved amicably
remains to be seen, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and crediting the work of all collaborators in the creative process.

DJ Maphorisa and Samthing Soweto, both significant figures in the South African music scene, have much to contribute to the industry. As this controversy unfolds, fans and fellow artists alike hope for a reconciliation that honors their respective talents and fosters a more equitable music industry for all.

ALSO READ- Samthing Soweto Speaks Out: The Isiphithiphithi Masters Controversy